2016 flew by and now we’re deep into the new year. Now, we already ran down our list of the 15 most anticipated games of 2017. But you may have noticed that our article misses the biggest releases of the first month of the year. That’s because we wanted to save them for a special showcase that isn’t as easy to get dated. And so, we’ve rounded up the four most exciting January games coming in the next few weeks. That includes major sequels, interesting remakes, and prequels to underrated series. Take a look at the biggest games of January to keep an eye on.
Yakuza 0
Release Date: Jan. 20
Platform: PlayStation 4
The very Japanese take on open-world crime is a huge hit in its home country, but Yakuza games have never been a huge hit in the US. Perhaps gamers will give the series another try in its newest PlayStation 4 entry, Yakuza 0. Set in the prosperous years of Japan’s bubble economy, you play as younger versions of the leads, working their way up through the ranks of organized crime. If you ever wished you could travel back to 1988’s Tokyo to beat the crap out of street punks, this is your chance!
Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King
Release Date: Jan. 20
Platform: Nintendo 3DS
The new era of Dragon Quest in North America continues with this release. This full-on remake of the PlayStation 2 role-playing game looks to shove its massive world and gorgeous cel-shaded graphics into a 3DS cartridge. Dragon Quest VIII is one of the best entries in the celebrated role-playing series, so here’s hoping that this portable remake can only make is better more than a decade later.
Kingdom Hearts 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue
Release Date: Jan. 24
Platform: PlayStation 4
This is the other big remake of January — or is it? Well, the complicated part is that Kingdom Hearts 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue contains an HD remake of Kingdom Hearts 3D, which was the 3DS interquel for the long-running Disney RPG series. But this PlayStation 4 release also contains a new chapter in the Kingdom Hearts series, a tale that bridges the story gaps to the way overdue Kingdom Hearts III. This seems like a welcome time killer for fans who are patiently waiting for the first numbered sequel in more than 10 years.
Resident Evil VII: Biohazard
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Release Date; Jan. 24
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
January’s most important game release has got to be the horror-action hybrid Resident Evil VII. After the last two entries were more about explosive action, REVII looks to go back to its horror roots with a first-person trip through a terrifying Louisiana home. The first demos and gameplay haven’t shown exactly how it’s connected to the past entries, but the footage is full of tense scares and scream-worthy moments of terror. Though will some have the guts to play this frightening game in the even scarier setting of PlayStation VR?